SAD 48 waits for reimbursements

NEWPORT – There appears to be some confusion among SAD 48 residents about a recent school payment made two weeks early by the town of Newport.

Depending on who is talking, the payment was either a way to bail SAD 48 out of a negative cash flow or it was just a nice gesture.

At a recent Newport selectmen’s meeting, it was announced that two SAD 48 payments had been made in one month. Some residents believed that was due to a budget shortfall within the district and following the meeting expressed their concern.

Town Manager James Ricker explained this week that the payments were sent in as usual, but just a bit early.

“SAD 48 is still waiting for some $660,000 in funding,” Ricker said. “Four years ago, the town of Newport had some income issues and the school board worked with us, letting us pay a bit late. Now, we are just reciprocating.”

Ricker said the interest lost by paying the money early was “just pennies.”